During the summer season, picnickers have to stock up on mosquito repellents. Little bloodsuckers can not only ruin your vacation, but also cause trouble. About 20,000,000 people die from malaria every year. Mostly these are children. Insects are carriers of other dangerous diseases, including certain types of fevers. Millions of people around the world dream that little “vampires” will become completely extinct. It turns out that not everyone is bothered by these squeaky insects. There are countries on earth where there are no mosquitoes.
Who are they - little bloodsuckers?
Mosquitoes belong to the family of dipterous insects. All their representatives are characterized by oral organs, represented by the upper and lower lips, forming a sheath. It has 2 pairs of jaws in the form of thin needles. Males differ from females: their jaws are underdeveloped, so they cannot bite.
There are about 3,000 species of mosquitoes on earth, of which 100 live in Russia. Blood-sucking insects are distributed throughout the world. But there are places where there are no mosquitoes at all.
It is the female that feeds on human blood. She is a carrier of infections and dangerous diseases. A mosquito evaluates the attractiveness of a human individual based on several “points.” Among them are the body's natural aroma, the presence of perfume and blood type. If you are wondering where these “vampires” come from, we recommend reading this article: https://fb.ru/article/342153/otkuda-beretsya-komar-skolko-jivet-komar-obyiknovennyiy.
Mosquito preferences
Draining the area where there are most mosquitoes, eliminating puddles, swampy ponds, etc. – an effective method of reducing insect numbers. In your summer cottage, you should avoid the appearance of puddles, remove stagnant water from barrels, buckets and other, even small, containers, as they can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Most mosquitoes never fly more than 1.5 km from their birthplace. Mosquito eggs can lie in dry and cold soil for 2-3 years and come to life with warming and the return of moisture. Mosquitoes can walk on water. Apart from them, only aquatic beetles have such a talent.
Sources
- https://ECOportal.info/sushhestvuyut-li-mesta-na-zemle-gde-net-komarov/
- https://apest.ru/komary/o-komarah/gde-net-komarov/
- https://fjord.su/article/est-li-komary-v-islandii.html
- https://jivovred.com/raznoe/komary-islandii
- https://MosquitoMagnet.ru/articles/fakty-iz-zhizni-komarov/gde-v-rossii-net-komarov.html
- https://notklop.ru/komary/o-komarah/gde-net-komarov/
- https://www.gardex.ru/zashchita-ot-komarov/gde-zhivut-komary-mesta-obitaniya
Countries without mosquitoes
Many do not believe that such places exist on the planet. It is known that insects do not like cold regions because they are unsuitable for their life and reproduction. So where in the world are there no mosquitoes?
- Antarctica is cold there all year round.
- Iceland - the exact reasons for the absence of small bloodsuckers in the country have not been established.
- Faroe Islands - due to the climate.
If the first point does not raise questions, then I would like to hear reasonable explanations for the second and third. Scientists are still figuring out the exact reasons for the absence of blood-sucking insects in Iceland. Today they put forward the following versions:
- A peculiarity of the Icelandic climate, which is characterized by frequent alternations of cold and heat.
- Chemical composition of the soil.
- Waters of the country.
Mosquitoes do not live on the Faroe Islands due to the peculiarities of the ocean climate (which scientists do not explain exactly).
Why are there so few bloodsuckers?
At the beginning of the last century, Sochi and many other regions of the Caucasus suffered from outbreaks of malaria. The swampy terrain and many stagnant bodies of water contributed to the fact that a large number of malaria mosquitoes, which are carriers of malaria, bred in the territory. To correct this situation, Dr. Sokolov has developed an entire mosquito control program.
Mosquitoes in the Krasnodar region
There are several versions of why there are no mosquitoes in Sochi.
- One of them goes deep into the history of the last century, when malaria was rampant in this region. Mosquitoes are carriers of this disease and the Sochi authorities have taken all possible actions to destroy the bloodsucking population. As a result, after a few years, mosquitoes ceased to exist there altogether. Later they did return, but in smaller numbers.
- According to another version, midges have ceased to annoy residents and vacationers of Sochi due to the presence of a large number of coniferous plantations on the territory. Their ethereal aromas repel mosquitoes, and this has led to a significant reduction in numbers. The idea to plant a large number of conifers also belonged to Dr. Sokolov and was part of a plan to eliminate the ways of spreading malaria.
Thus, today in Sochi and all other resorts of the Krasnodar Territory you can find bloodsuckers. Mosquitoes and midges do not pose a health hazard, as no outbreaks of malaria have been detected. But these insects can still ruin your entire vacation. To protect yourself and your family, you should take your favorite mosquito repellents with you on your trip.
What a mosquito doesn't like
Iceland is a European country where there are no mosquitoes. But you shouldn’t go there just to enjoy the absence of these annoying insects. Let's find out the main factors that irritate and repel mosquitoes.
Little “vampires” prefer victims who are intoxicated. This is due to the peculiar smell that comes from their skin. Strong drinks make the human body warm, moisturized, and, in the summer, sticky. All these moments are very attractive to mosquitoes.
Blood-sucking insects do not like citrus aroma, dryness, or smoke. In places where there is a frequent concentration of mosquitoes, it is recommended to light a fire and have plants with a bitter citrus smell. Little “vampires” love water very much. They lay larvae near water sources. Therefore, dry places will not be attractive to them.
Where are there no mosquitoes yet? They are wary of places where picaridin is present. This is a synthetic compound that was developed from a plant that resembles hot peppers. It is added to preparations used to protect against mosquitoes. It keeps insects at a distance.
Wonders of nature
The swamps, so beloved by these insects, occupy about 10% of our country, and this is an area of 1.4 million km2 and even more. This is why every summer we suffer from an invasion of mosquitoes and midges, because we have such excellent conditions for their reproduction. That’s why, when choosing a place where we can take a break from everything at once, we inadvertently think: “Are there a lot of mosquitoes there? Are there any places on our planet where these blood-sucking annoying insects do not live?”
Yes, such places really exist! There are small cities, islands, even entire countries where there are practically no or no mosquitoes at all. Of course, in some cases this is due to climate, and in others – to human activities to combat these parasites, but there are such places. We suffer from mosquitoes every year as soon as they wake up and go out to hunt, so those parts of the world where they are not found can safely be called natural wonders.
What happens if mosquitoes disappear
A mass extinction of flies on earth would be considered an environmental disaster. The complete disappearance of blood-sucking insects also poses a considerable danger. We know which country has no mosquitoes - Iceland. And the people living there do not face environmental problems. But this is the exception rather than the rule. If there were no mosquitoes on the ground, the following unpleasant moments would arise:
- Many species of fish have disappeared from the lakes.
- In reservoirs, the number of plants that feed on the larvae of blood-sucking insects has decreased.
- Plants pollinated by mosquitoes have disappeared.
- Some bird species have left the cities. Among them are swallows and swifts. Bird populations in the Arctic tundra would also decline.
- The number of other “vampires” has increased: horseflies, ticks, deer bloodsuckers, midges, and land leeches.
Yes, there are places on earth where there are no mosquitoes. But there are few of them. People should not strive to increase their number. The disappearance of blood-sucking insects will become a source of new environmental problems. Therefore, they cannot be completely exterminated. Any living organism was not conceived by nature in vain. In addition to harm, it brings many benefits to humans.
How to prevent mosquito breeding?
The most effective and affordable method of mosquito control is the destruction of standing water; without it, mosquito eggs will not be able to develop. By eliminating all standing water, you will significantly reduce the numbers of these insects in just a few weeks.
Standing water, suitable for mosquito breeding, can appear in the most unexpected places. Look for these places and don’t let the water stagnate:
- Bird drinkers
- Old, unused tires
- Open containers, including cans, bottles, cans, cups, anything in which small amounts of water (including dew) may accumulate. Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in a drop. Garbage containers may have small depressions where water can also accumulate. Don't forget to check the lids on your trash cans too! Even loose plastic wrap can collect enough water for mosquitoes
- Hollow trees
- Water gardens and ponds – Decorative ponds without fish, swimming pools and so on
- Baths and basins
- Drainage ditches
- Dirty or clogged drains
- Animal bowls
- Perennial muddy puddles and tire ruts
- Any container of standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes!
Remove or cover old tires, remove baskets, buckets, pots and other containers from the area (you can turn them over) in which dew and rainwater can accumulate. Rotten wood should be disposed of. Uproot old stumps and fill holes in trees. Drill holes in the swings (especially those made from tires). Change the water in decorative containers such as birdbaths at least once a week. Drill holes in the bottom of the garbage containers, but do not drill them on the sides; water can accumulate directly in such holes. Clean your gutters regularly, especially if there are trees nearby whose leaves could clog them.
People don't always pay attention to gutters, but they can give birth to hundreds of mosquitoes. Turn plastic tubs over when not in use. Turn over cars when they are not needed. Store boats upside down or covered, or clean out rainwater and dew weekly. If you have decorative pools, they should be populated with fish or made sure that the water does not stagnate using filters, for example. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools even when not in use. Leaving a swimming pool unattended for just a month can lead to an infestation of mosquitoes.
Remember that mosquitoes can breed even in water collected on your pool cover. Make sure that drainage systems, ditches and drainage systems are free of grass, weeds and debris, and water drains without problems. Try to level your area so that there are no depressions in which puddles can form. In reservoirs where there are fish or the water is constantly mixed in some way, mosquitoes practically do not appear. So, if you are tormented by bloodsuckers, the first step in your anti-mosquito campaign should be the destruction of standing water!
We suggest you read: How to get rid of shashel in a treeNext step... Effective control of the number of blood-sucking insects. And then you can enjoy relaxing outdoors throughout the summer season without any troubles or dangers!
How does a mosquito bite?
Before biting the victim, the mosquito must find it. His sense of smell is responsible for this process. There are 72 types of receptors located on the insect antennae. At least about 30 of them are able to recognize various substances that are present in the sweat of humans and animals.
Mosquitoes are able to distinguish the movement of an object in space. When the insect approaches, we hear an annoying buzzing sound. This sound occurs due to very fast and frequent flapping of the wings. Mosquitoes bite more actively at night.
The female mosquito plunges her proboscis into the hole she made.
Having discovered the victim, the female sits on the surface of the skin, clinging to it with her claws. She then easily pierces the skin using her sharp jaws. The proboscis plunges into the hole. But before sucking in the blood, the mosquito injects its saliva.
It contains special substances - coagulants, which slow down blood clotting. The female immerses her proboscis quite deeply - up to the blood capillaries. Through it, it absorbs blood, from which it receives valuable substances.
The process of absorption of food by a mosquito takes no more than a minute. After this short time, the previously barely noticeable body of the insect becomes larger. The walls of the abdomen stretch and you can even see blood through them.
Photo of a mosquito under magnification. Interesting fact: mosquitoes rarely travel long distances. During their entire life cycle, they are usually found within an area of one kilometer.
How to protect children and adults from mosquito attacks
Of course, you can completely exterminate all mosquitoes and then life will sparkle with new colors. But don't forget that mosquitoes are part of the food chain. By exterminating them, other living beings will die, which will disrupt the ecosystem. In order to escape from mosquitoes, several methods are used, strictly taking into account the age category
Folk remedies
The most popular are the effects of essential oils with a pungent odor (cloves, rosemary, anise and a number of others). Pour boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of one of these oils and let stand for 10-15 minutes.
Respelents
This group of funds is divided into several groups:
- used indoors – fumigators and fumigants. They completely destroy mosquitoes. The effect lasts 8-12 hours;
- personal use – creams, aerosols, lotions. They are applied to the skin. Valid for 2-4 hours;
- used only on the streets - pyrotechnic spirals and ignition candles. They are valid up to 20 sq. meters.
You can get rid of mosquitoes for a while, but they cannot be completely exterminated - it is dangerous for the ecosystem.
How long does a mosquito live?
The annoying squeak of little pests spoils the pleasure of the long-awaited summer. The situation becomes especially unbearable in rural areas or simply near forested areas. It becomes interesting: how long does a parasite live? There is no exact answer, because the life span of a pest depends on a number of factors.
- Gender of the insect. First of all, it’s worth understanding a simple fact: males live exactly half as long as females.
- Temperature. It’s worth talking about this in more detail, because this information can help in confronting the squeaky enemy. So, the higher the air temperature, the shorter the insect will live. At a temperature of about 20°, the female will live about 42 days, and when it drops to 10°, the lifespan will increase to 115 days. In the case of a male, divide the number by two.
- Nutrition. The parasite is afraid of both hunger and oversaturation. It is a myth that a mosquito dies immediately after biting a person. One mosquito can bite a person up to 8 times within a couple of hours. By the way, only females feed on blood, males exclusively on nectar.
